News Release Archive

NS BOXING AUTHORITY--BOXING GROUPS WORK TO RAISE SPORT'S PROFILE
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The Nova Scotia Boxing Authority and Boxing Nova Scotia today
outlined a joint effort to raise the profile and increase boxing
activity in the province.
Wayne Adams, Minister responsible for the Nova Scotia Boxing
Authority, said the government has acted as the catalyst for this
co-operative venture with the goal of developing a plan to
improve the sport in Nova Scotia. The authority governs
professional boxing in the province, while Boxing Nova Scotia
oversees amateur ranks.
"The goals of the two administrative bodies are quite similar in
that their primary role is the promotion of boxing while ensuring
the health and safety needs of the athletes," said Mr. Adams.
"Both groups recognize that by working together, the
possibilities are endless."
The minister said Nova Scotia has a rich history and tradition in
the sport of boxing, and only through hard work, dedication and
co-operation will professional boxing return to its former glory
days.
He said the underlying principles of this joint process include
establishing a mechanism to foster a good working relationship
between Boxing Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Boxing Authority
and to identify opportunities and areas of co-operation that
benefit both organizations and the sport.
Mr. Adams said concern for proper health and safety requirements
has resulted in a forum to provide continuing consultation
between the medical advisers for the two boxing organizations.
Hubert Earle, chairperson of the boxing authority, announced
plans are being made for a medical advisory council which would
involve all doctors currently serving both professional and
amateur boxing. A seminar will be held this fall at which doctors
will review medical standards and requirements for both pro and
amateur fighters and make recommendations to the sport's
governing bodies.
Mr. Earle said the authority is pursuing the possibility of
acquiring an EEG machine to be administered by the medical
advisory council. It's to ensure this health service is readily
available to boxers in Nova Scotia. It will enable the medical
fraternity to maintain up-to-date EEGs and also to track a
fighter's medical condition.
Mr. Earle said the government will be asked to amend the boxing
regulations and turn over responsibility for ring and glove
standards, protective equipment and sanctioning and prohibition
of fights for amateur events to Boxing Nova Scotia.
"Plans are currently being finalized setting up an educational
tutoring program for amateur boxers," he also said. "We want to
be in a position to assist all boxers with their academic study
when requested to do so."
Dick MacLean, president of Boxing Nova Scotia, said another
result of this dialogue is that representatives from each group
will serve as ex-officio members of each other's executive
committee. John Sansom will represent Boxing Nova Scotia on the
board of the Nova Scotia Boxing Authority, while Charles Ponee
will attend Boxing Nova Scotia meetings.
Mr. MacLean said Boxing Nova Scotia will also require any group
or individual forming an amateur boxing club to have Level One
under the National Coaching Certification Program before the club
will be sanctioned and permitted to operate.
"Revenue generated as a result of Pro-Am Boxing events will be
shared on a 50-50 basis between the participating clubs and
Boxing Nova Scotia," he continued. "This will provide a budget to
assist with the development of amateur boxing throughout Nova
Scotia."
Both Mr. Earle and Mr. MacLean expressed optimism for the future
of the sport, stressing that the object of the joint exercise is
the safety and development of boxing in Nova Scotia.
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Contact: Clyde Horner
Nova Scotia Boxing Authority
902-424-7539
ngr August 21, 1997 - 2:55 pm